Method and machine for producing bias strips



Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLING METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIASSTRIPS Filed Oct. 2, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLING METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Filed Oct. 2, 192610'Sheets-Sheet 2 Jug 2,

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F. A. SEIBERLING METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS'STRIPS Filed Oct.2. 1926 10 SheetsSheet 5 11v VENTO/e Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLINGMETHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Filed Oct. 2. 1926 10Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR A TTORNEYJ Feb. 18, 1930.

F. A. SEIBERLXNG METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Filed Oct.2,. 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 HHHH & Qm\ .TL 1 Z f & T w; T I I I a Q Q. \r41 H T Fd). 18, 1930. SEIBERUNG 1,747,652

METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Filed Oct. 2, 1926 -10SheetsSheet 6,

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35% a-t-tozmu y {MW Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLING METHOD AND MACHINEFOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Fiied Oct. 2, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet '7lfvVENTOR Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLING METHOD AND MACHINE FORPRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Filed 001:. 2, 1926 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Y INVENTOR sM NE Y5 Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLING METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCINGBI AS STRIPS Filed Oct. 2. 1926 INVENTOR Feb. 18, 1930. F. A. SEIBERLINGMETHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Filed Oct. 2. 1926 10Sheets-Sheet 10 Id ,/i.

INVENTOR Patented Feb. 18, 1930 a UNITE STATS FRANK A. SEIBERLING,GFAHKRQN, OHIO METHOD AND MACHINE FOR PRODUCING BIAS STRIPS Applicationfiled October 2, 1828. Serial No. 139,028;

This invention relates to method and machine for producing bias strips,and has reference more especially to the manufacturing of fabric stripsor plies such as are used in building tire casings, hose, or analogousarticles. The invention provides for the performance of a succession ofprogressive steps or operations constituting acontinuous asdistinguished from an interrupted method, and carried out bysynchronized elements of apparatus constituting an automatic machine.

In outline, the successive operations as carried out in the completeembodiment herein disclosed are, first, what may be termed therubberizing operation resultingin the progressive production ofrubberized (or similarly treated) fabric in the form of a wide strip orweb, which willbe referred to as the rubberized fabric; second, thehelical winding or wrapping of the treated web or fabric into a tubularshape preferably upon a supporting form or mandrel toward which thefabric is advanced continuously at a proper angle from the fabric supplyor rubberizing apparatus; third, the splicing or uniting of the woundfabric into a tube, preferably by compression upon the gummed oroverlapping contiguous edges of the successive convolutions; fourth, thebias cutting of such rubberized fabric tube into the final desiredstrips or plies, preferably at an angle of approximately or within 10thereof, to the Warp or longitudinal threads or cords of the 45 closelyupon each of a number of mandrels,

and overlaid byv a gum layer, these actions being started by hand, andthe procedure beingdiscontinuous, the rotation stopping when eachmandrel is full, the cord end being then cut by hand and the mandrelshifted to a new location, where by hand it is slowly turned while ahand knife is manipulated to cut and strip the resulting fabricdiagonally from the mandrel. The operation requires skill and attention,and produces only short lengths of unspliced bias cut cord fabric. 1 amaware of a suggestion for making bias fabric wherein rubberized stock isto be fed from a stock roll and wrapped in tube form upon a non-rotatingdrum, but wherein the stock roll has to be carried bodily around theaXis as it supplies the fabric, the drum receiving the fabric at 45 andfeeding the helical tube longitudinally forward by numerous endlessbelts traveling along the drum surface,and the issuing tube beingcollapsed and flattened into a double ply strip, or else longitudinallyslit into a plurality of strips which will have a bias angle the same asthe pitch angle of the helix. This plan in its essential mode ofsupplying the stock, and of in wrapping and advancing the helix,prohibits combining the rubberizing with the wrapping, splicing, or biascutting in a single apparatus.

The prevailing method of making bias plies is substantially a handmethod, although involving certain apparatus. It is believed that therubberizing'of fabric has not heretofore been combined with either thesplicing or the bias cutting in a single or continuous method orapparatus. The usual practice of making the plies is substantially asfollows.

The rubberized fabric, previously produced and placed in stock, is fedout from the roll 35 eithervertically downwards or horizontally onconveying belts; This drawing off of the stock fabric is intermittent,the fabric being brought to rest after a given length of feed, and whileat rest a diagonal shearing means or a traveling knife is employed tosever diagonal length or section of ply or strip. These loose plylengths are removed and transferred by hand to a splicing table, wheresuccessive lengths or sections are alined. gummed and united by handinto the final product. It is found that such bias plies are not cutwith any uniform accuracy of width, and it has been necessary to allow atolerance, with substantial waste of material resulting.

Additionally this practice involves high labor cost, human hazard, andlarge floor space, as well as substantial expense in constant inspectionof the varying product.

The general objects of the present invention are to afford a method andmachine for producing bias cut strips which will overcome the drawbacksinherent in heretofore known and prevailing practices with which I amacquainted, and which will be automatic and continuous in action, andcapable of increased speed and output, while at the same time eflicientand accurate in operation and results and convenient and safe inpractical use. Other and further objects .and advantages of the presentinvention will be explained in the hereinafter following description ofan illustrative embodiment thereof or will be apparent to those skilledin the subject.

' eration, construction, arrangement, combination and detail hereinillustrated or described. In the accompanying drawings Fig. 1 is adiagrammatic perspective View of an embodiment, indicating the principalmechanical elements of the apparatus and the disposition of the fabricas it, passes through the machine; this embodiment showing the fabric orstock as being rubberized by a roller means or calender.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic leftelevation of an alternative mode ofproducing the rubberized fabric, to be conducted to the wrapping andbias cutting devices analogously tov Fig. 1; this embodiment indicatingthe production of an unwoven t pe of rubberized fabricbythe assembling ocords and causing the assemblage to be impregnated or rubberized bysuitable material such as latex.

Fig. 3 is a. diagrammatic top plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig.2, with certain portions omitted. V

Fig. 4 is a general top plan View of'a complete apparatus ormachineembodying the present invention and using the rubberizing system of Fig.1.

Fig. 5 is a face view of a portion of bias cut strip or ply produced bythe method and machine of Figs. 1 and 4.

Fig. 6 is a face view showing the product when using thealternative'rubberizing system of Figs. 2 and 3.

Fig. 7 is a front elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 4.

trolling circuits for the mandrel infeeding of Fig. 15. v V Fig. 17 is aright elevation of the biascut- 17-17 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 18 is .a detail view of certain elements 4 of Figs. 15 and 17.

Referring first to Fig. 1 the'process starts.

with the woven fabric V supplied from a stock roll 20. This is advancedandrubberized in an apparatus or calender comprising 7 the splicing rollmounting, in section on t e line 1616 1 90, ting mechanism, partly 1nsection on the line thin shelled rolls suitably heated and cooled in anyknown manner, and driven in synchronism with the succeeding mechanisms.There are shown rolls 21 and 22 through which the fabric is advanced anda third roll 23 by which the rubber or gummy material R is spread evenlyover the second roll and thence applied to the fabric, producing therubberized fabric F', which is, shown traveling directly from therubberizing step to the winding, splicing and bias cutting operations.The rubberized fabric advances from the fixed location of the supply orrubberizing means and approaches at a suitable angle to the wrappingmechanism so as to form a wound helix, preferably with a slight overlap,the convolutions being spliced by adhesion of the overlap, or by a buttjoint, preferably with an. added gum strip, into a progressivelyadvancing tube T. The fabric tube is preferably thereupon diagonally cutor slit into one or a plurality of bias strips or plies S, along lines.extending at 45, more or less, to the spliced seam or line of junctionof the fabric, or the length of the web or its warp elements- Referringto Figs. 2 and 3 a series of cords G are shown as being delivered'from acreel 25, the individual cords being threaded through a thread board 26from which they pass along in contact with suitable guiding orpositioning means and between a pair of rolls 27 to avessel 28'containing the treating material, such as rubber latexR. Thecords,preferably in touching contact, are carried through the tank andunderneath guide rolls 29 and thence upwardly from the vessel andthrough suitable, guiding means, including doctor blades 30 whichprevent an excessive quantity of rubber passing along with the nowrubberized fabric F. The fabric is then passed over a large rotatingdrying drum 31 from which 'it is shown traveling to and over guide rolls32 and 33 to a series of small drying rolls or ironing drums 34. Fromthe drying rolls the fabric passes over guide rolls 35 and 36 and thentravels at the desired pitch angle to the wrapping, splicing and cuttingmechanisms, which are suitably positioned for this purpose.

When wovenfabric is employed, as indicated in Fig. 1, the resulting biasply or strip S may be as indicated in Fig. 5, with thewarp and weftthreads standing at opposite diagonals. WVhen the rubberized fabricconsists of parallel cords impregnatedand consolidated into a web as inFigs. 2 and 3 the product may be the bias strip S as shown risin forexam lo a s stem of war cords held together by occasional bindingthreads or wefts, or superposed layers of cords, or a double thicknessof woven fabric.

In any case rubberized fabric web F is caused to travel toward thewrapping or winding mechanism at an angle of approach equal to the pitchangle of the wrapping helix. The winding or wrapping is effected upon amandrel and the resulting fabric tube is continuously advancedlengthwise during its 7 formation, splicing and cutting into strips. Inthe travel of the tube from the winding point to the cutting point it isalso preferably rotated. For this purpose the receiving mandrel or itssupporting surface is continuously rotated during the operations. Themandrel is also preferably advanced longitudinally, at least at itssurface, and preferably bodily. To permit its continuous bodily advancethe mandrel is preferably divided into a series of mandrels or sectionswhich are successively infed to the wrapping point and outfed beyond thecutting point and thence recirculated back to the infeed point. Thusthere is illustrated a series of six circulating mandrels. The fabrictube T is actually engaged on what will be termed the first mandrel 41.This and the other mandrels may consist of thin walled tubes, forexample of iron in case the circulation is controlled by magnetic meansas herein illustratively described, otherwise of aluminum. The mandreldiameter is such that its circumference will bear a definiteinterrelation to the width of the stock and the helix pitch angle. Thusthe width of the stock less any overlap allowed for splicing,

divided by the circumference of the mandrel should give the sine of thehelix angle. If the angle be about 30 as shown and the fab ric 56 incheswide, the mandrel should have a circumference of about 112 inches ordiameter of about 35% inches, and the resulting tube may be cut into twobias plies or strips each about 14% inches wide with their edges atabout 45: to the length of the original fabric or the warp elementsthereof. Obvious modification of dimensions will give any desired widthof strip.

The first mandrel 41 is shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4, 7 and 9 as being rotatedand advanced lengthwise by the second operating mechanisms, and ashaving traveled into partial engagement with the outfeeding devices, andwholly so in Figs. 12 and 14. The second mandrel 42 is shown asimmediately following the first mandrel and being rotated and advancedin synchronism with it by the first operating mechanism, and as still inpartial engagement with the infeeding devices, except in Figs. 12 and 14where it has become wholly disengaged. The third mandrel 43 has not yetbeen placed in alinement with the preceding ones but is shown engagedwith the infeeding mechanism to be described. The fourth mandrel 44 isshown traveling reverselyinto engagement with the infeeding mechanism.The fifth mandrel 45 is shown still engaged in the outfeeding mechanism,but about to be transferred back to the infeeding mechanism. The sixthmandrel 46 is shown as having been received at the outnot yet inposition for thereverse feeding.

The described system of circulating mandrels dispenses with the need ofcomplication of mandrel construction otherwise necessaryto enable theadvance of the tube relatively to the mandrel.

The'splicing means by which successive convolutions are united into aprogressively formed fabric tube is shown diagrammatically in Figs. 1and 3 as comprising a presser or roller 48 which is arranged, as will bedescribed, to exert a splicing pressure upon the overlapping or gummededges of the rubberized fabric. If preferred the'fabric edges may bemerely abutted and, allowed to adhere, or supplied with a gumstrip'extending across the juncture.

Following the splicing, whatever means or proper arrangement, besubstantially fixed in position they are herein shown as being carriedrevolubly around so that in Conjunction with the movements of themandrel and fabric tube a relative helical cutting path'on the tube isproduced, this helix preferably trending in the opposite direction tothat of the longitudinal or warp elements of the rubberized fabric, andat about thereto as stated.

The mandrel operating mechanisms are best shown in Figs. 4, 7, 9 and 10and they serve to rotate each mandrel and preferably simultaneously toadvance it so that each portion of the surface of the mandrel travelsvhelieally in agreement with the already described preferably advancingmovements of the fabric tube. In order to enable a succession ofmandrels to be circulated through the machine there are shown two of theactuating mechanisms, the first mechanism 51 located at a point inadvance of the wrapping point at which the mandrels receive the fabric,and the second actuating mechanism 52 located beyond the point at whichthe fabric tube is cut into strips and the strips diverted to the takeupmeans. The two mandrel actuators 51 and 52 are shown spaced apart adistance slightly less than the length of a single mandrel so that eachmandrel after being infed into the first actuator, is rotated andadvanced, receiving fabric, and having the fabric cut from it in strips,then engaging the second actuator before disengaging the first, thendisengaging the first actuator as the succeeding mandrel follows alongin contacting succession with it. Fig. 9 shows the first actuatormechanism 51 111 elevation and the second one 52 partly in centralsection,

while Fig. 10 is a right elevation of the sec- 0nd mechanism partly insection on the line ,1010' of Fig. 7. The two mechanisms beingsubstantially alike the same description will apply to both.

Each mandrel actuating mechanism is contained Within a fixed archedstandard or housing' 54 upstanding from a general base 55. Within theupper arched portion of each standard 54 is shown a revolving carriageor rotor 56 through which the mandrels are rotated. The rotor 56 isgenerally cylindrical and has outward end flanges or tracks 57, en-'gaging upon a system of four pairs of flanged guide rolls 58 mounted inbearings 59 secured at suitable points within the arch 54.

The mandrels are engaged by each carriage through longitudinal rollsreferred to as pinch rolls, the mandrel being held between themandadvanced by their rotation. Thus each carriage is shown as having asystem of forked brackets 61 extending inwardly and carrying rolls 62adapted to engage directly against the periphery of the mandrel. -Thereare shown four sets of these pinch rolls, with three 'in each set, thusgiving a firm grip upon the mandrel and holding it accurately inalinement. The bodily rotation of the pinch roll carriage 56 serves torotate the mandrel while the longitudinal advance is effected by therotation of some or all of the pinch rolls. For the latter purpose thethree shafts 63 of the individual pinch rolls in each set are shownprovided with bevel pinions 64, these engaging corresponding bevelpinions 65 fast on a longitudinal shaft 66 mounted in ears 67 standinginwardly from the carriage, so that by rotating the shaft 66 the severalpinch rolls will be rotated in unison. A simple mode of actuating allfour sets of pinch rolls in unison is through pinions 68 mounted at theends of the four shafts 66, all of these pinions running in a planetarymanner along the teeth of an internal gear 69, which is preferably afixed gear interchangeably attached upon a circular plate 70 which isconnected by bolts 71 with the flange 7 2 of the arch or housing 54. Asthe carriage 56 turns counterclockwise in Fig. 10 the several pinions 68in unison are rotated clockwise with their shafts 66, thereby rotatingthe 12 pinch rolls in a direction to advance the mandrel as it rotates,the described gearing being such as to give the proper ratio between therotary and advancing movements so as to result in a helical advancecorresponding with that of the fabric helix applied to the mandrel. Incase of different widths of fabric or strip, and different angle ofhelix, it is only necessary to change the pinions 68 and gear 69 forothers of different ratio.

The rotation of the rotor or carriage 56 may be eifected by power insynchronism with other mechanisms for convenience as follows. A gear 73,or a set of gear teeth, is mounted or formed on the exterior of each ofthe car riages. 'The gear 73 is shown engaged by an intermediate gear 74turning loosely on a convenient shaft or axle, and the gear 74 engages agear 75 fixed on a longitudinal shaft 76, so that rotation of shaft 76turns the carriage and thereby rotates and advances the mandrel. Theshaft 76 runs continuously and extends through from the first to thesecond of the mandrel actuating mechanisms, oper ating both of them, andas shown in Fig. 9

the connections are substantially symmetrical.

The power connections may at this point be advantageously described. Theprime or power shaft 80 is shown in Fig. 4. A pair of bevel pinions 81transmits the power to the calender rolls, having such ratio as tooperate the rolls at the proper speed to feed the fabric F to therotating mandrels. A pair of helical gears 82 communicates the rotationto a short cross shaft 83, seen also in Fig. 17 this shaft mounted in abearing 84. A second pair of helical gears 86 transmits the rotation toan upwardly inclined shaft 87, which may be interrupted if desired tointerpose a speed change gearing. The upper end of the inclined shaft 87carries a bevel pinion 89 meshing with a bevel pinion 90 mounted on thelongitudinal shaft 76, whereby the power is transmitted to the twomandrel actuating mechanisms as described, in synchronism with thefabric rubberizing mechanism.

The mandrel circulating mechanism is in dicated in Fig. 1 and shown morefully in Figs. 4, 7 and 9 to 14. In general this mechanism comprises anoutfeeding device receiving the mandrels discharged from the secondactuating mechanism 52, and carrying each 7 mandrel laterally out ofthepath of the succeeding one, in combination with a reversely movingconveyor which receives each mandrel from the outfeeding device andconveys it to the infeeding device, which in turn carries the mandrelfrom the return conveyor, places it in alinement with the precedingactive mandrel and delivers to it an initial advancing thrustmovementinto' engagement with the first mandrel actuating mechanism 51.The return conveyor may conveniently consist of a belt 92 mounted nearthe base on end pulleys 93, with several intermediate pulleys orsupports 94 to prevent undue sagging, the shaft of one of the pulleys 93carrying a sprocket wheel 96, the same driven through a sp'rocketchain97, extending from the power driven sprocket wheel 85 mounted on shaft83. Figs. 4 and 7 indicate the re turn carrier reversely conveying themandrel from the outfeeding devices and conveying the mandrel ,44 intothe infeeding de- 35 vices, where it is brought to a stop in correctposition by the lowermost of the thruster devices 108 yet to bedescribed. The mandrel in traveling between the infeeding and outfeedingdevices may be retainedby rails or 0 rods .98 from rolling off theconveyor belt 92, as shown in Fig. 17.

Referring to the mandrel .infeeding mechanism, supported largely by apost 99, this comprises a suitable carrier in the nature of 5 a spider100, having receptacles adapted to receive and hold the mandrels andtransfer them from the conveyor 92to a position in alinement with theactive mandrels, together with a device for thrusting each mandrel for-0 wardly into operative engagement with the first actuating mechanism51. Any suitable means may be employed to enable the. carrier or spiderto grasp and retain each mandrel during transfer and then release it;and for 5 convenience magnetic means are indicated.

The infeeding spider or carrier 100 is shown as mounted to revolve on alongitudinal shaft 101. The shaft 101 is indicated in Fig. 9as mountedin post 99 and extending 0 leftward through fixed bearings formed'on theframe 54 and at its left extremity carrying a gear 102 which meshes witha smaller gear 103 loosely surrounding the longitudinal shaft 7 6, saidgear in turn carrying a clutch member ".104. S e also Fig. .11. Thistrain of connections operates only when the'clutch is coupled, eachoperation serving to turn the spider through 90 to bring a new mandrelinto operating line. Figs. 7'and 11 indicate the complementary clutchmember 105, which constantly rotates and embodies electromagnetic clutchmeans controlled through circuits as will be described. The clutchmemher 105 may be keyed to the constantly turning longitudinal shaft 76, so that when the clutch magnets are excited the rotation of the shaft76 is transmitted to revolve the carrier or spider.

The means by which the spider or carrier grasps and later releases eachmandrel may be of any nature but is shown as magnetic in character. Thuseach of the two arms of each of the four are shaped receptacles 106 ofthe carrier is shown as wound with magnet coils 107 which have only tobe energized to magnetize the receptacle and enable the spider to pickup and carry the light iron or steel mandrel. Thus in Figs. 4 and 7 thelowest mandrel 44 is not yet grasped by the carrier, as it is stillcoming into position. The mandrel 43 however is magnetically held in thefront compartment of the carrier. The mandrel 42 has been so held andcarried tothe topmost position but has been magnetically released andthrust advancingly into operation. The controlling circuits will belater described. I

The means of thrusting or starting each mandrel into operation byforcing itad- 'vancingly from the spider 100 into contact with thepreceding mandrel-may be as follows. The spider is shown as fitted witha plurality of thrusters or fingers 108 one for each compartment. Thethruster shank 109 fits slidingly within a guide recess in the body ofthe spider, where it is squared to prevent rotation. A spring 110 isarranged normally to return the thruster toward the right into its idleposition as seen in Figs. 4, 7 and 11. Any suitable means may beemployed for forcing the thruster leftward at the proper moment to startthe corresponding mandrel into action. Thus an electric coil or solenoid111 is shown surrounding each shank 109. The shank should be constructedof iron for a certain distance into but not through the solenoid, toconstitute a core, and beyond that point non-magnetic materiai such asbrass should be used, so that when the solenoid is energized the shank109 is pulled sharply leftward. The enlarged head of the thruster 108 isarranged to press against the right end of the mandrel and thrust itleftward into engagement with the pinch rolls of the first mandrelactuating mechanism 51.

The control of the mandrel in feeding operations may be effected byelectric circuits,

and the infeed of each mandrel controlled 7 the first pinch rollactuator. Thus as shown inthe drawings a drop contact 113 is shownresting on the active mandrel 42 closely adjacent to the pinch rolls.Fig. '12 shows the stage of operation where the mandrel is about to passfrom under the drop contact or feeier 113. WVhen this happens thecontact will close the circuit between a pair of conductors 114 and 115,the latter being in circuit with a current source or battery 116, theother pole of the battery being indicated for convenience as grounded inthe machine frame. The magnetic clutch is shown controlled by a pair ofbrushes 118, resting on strips 119, and one brush is connected to theconductor 114, the other being grounded to complete the circuit; so thatwhen the drop contact 113 falls the clutch is energized and the carrier100 is thereby rotated a quarter turn to bring a new receptacle andmandrel in alinement with those in operation. The drop contact is liftedby the succeeding mandrel swinging up and into position, so that theclutch is deenergized and the carrier stopped by the new mandrel cominginto alinement.

The holding magnets of the spider, and the mandrel thrusting solenoids,may be electrically controlled as follows. A commutator is shown mountedon the carrier shaft 101. This may be a non-conducting cylinder havingmetallic conducting portions at its surface. Thus four pairs ofcommutator contacts 121 are shown properly spaced for the control of thefour solenoids, to thrust each mandrel leftward into the pinch rollswhen it is carried up into alinement therewith. Four sets of contactstrips 122 are shown arranged for controlling the coils 107 of theholding receptacles or magnets 106 so that each one will be energized topick up a mandrel from the conveyor and carry it to topmost position andthere release it to be thrust forward to the actuator 51. Each pair ofcontacts 121 is in electric connection with one of the solenoids 111.Thus, a pair of wires 123 is shown extending from the topmost contactsto the topmost solenoid which is thereby energized to compress thespring 110 and move the thruster 108 to the left. A pair of brushes 124is adapted to rest on'the contacts in topmost position 121 and to passfrom them as the commutator revolves, later on contacting another pairof such contacts. A pair of conductors 125 completes the circuit throughthe battery 116. Each pair of brushes 122 has conductors 127 to one-ofthe holding magnets 106. A single pair of such conductors is shown andthe others may correspond. A pair of brushes 128 is adapted to contactupon each pair of strips 122, and conductors 129 complete the cirr uit.

The timing of these several controls 'is in-' 128 disengage the contactstrips 122 of the uppermost receptacle, thus deenergizing the topmostmagnet 106 and releasing the mandrel. As the contacts 121 reach thebrushes 124, thus closing the circuit through the topmost solenoid, thethruster 108 is caused to This forces the move sharply to the left.topmost mandrel 43 advancingly to the left until itcomes up into contactwith the preceding mandrel 42 and engages the pinch rolls of theactuating mechanism, thus becoming an active mandrel and advancinghelically to receive rubberized fabric.

The outfeeding devices of the mandrel circulating mechanism are bestshown in Figs. 4, 7 13 and 14. The outfeeding carrier or spider issubstantially like the infeeding carrier 100 and is mounted on arotatable shaft 141, supported by a post 139 and frame 54, and providedat its rightend with a gear 142 engaging a smaller gear 143 carrying aclutch member 144, these parts shown also in large scale in Figs. 9 and15. Referring to Figs. 13 and 15 the complementary clutch member 145 isshown adjacent the clutch member 144, the former being fast on theconstantly rotating shaft 76 and the latter loose except when therotating clutch member 145 is magnetically energized as will be laterdescribed.

The carrier or spider is shown as formed with four are shapedreceptacles 146 each adapted to receive, hold and carry a mandrel,-

and the mandrel holding means of each re- Y topmost receptacle 146 .inpassing from the second actuating mechanism52; When the foremost mandrelhas been pushed so far as to strike the bumping contact 149 this willclose an electric circuit and thus energize the spider revolving clutch.The bumping contact 149 is a part of a swinging arm which is heldyieldingly. in normal position by a spring 150. The arm carries anelectric contact 151 cooperating with a second contact 152 so arrangedthat the swinging of the arm against the pull of the spring will closethe contacts A conductor 153 is shown extending from the contact 152 toa current source or battery 154, while a conductor 155 extends from thebattery to oneof a pair of-brushes charged upon'the return conveyor 92.As the mandrel is swung away from the bumper 149 the spring 150 willcause the opening of the contacts 151, 152, which would release themagnetic clutch, but may be prevented by the commutator control about tobe described.

The commutator 160 may be a cylindrical structure analogous to thecommutator 120 already described. The surface of the commutator is shownprovided with a series of four wide contact strips 161 controlling themagnetic driving clutch 145. For each of the holding magnets orreceptacles 146 of the spider the commutator is provided with a.

pair of strips 162 as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 13, and shownseparately in Fig. 14 to indicate the timing. A pair of conductors orwires 163 is shown extending across from conductor 158 to conductor 158and connected with a pair'of brushes 164 adapted to lie on one of thewide strips 161 of the coinmutator while the spider is in rotation, thusshort circuiting the starting contact 151,152. The foremost mandrelcloses the last mentioned contact, thus starting the rotation of thespider and commutator. The brushes 164 lie normally between two of thestrips 161 of the commutator so that this circuit is open,

but as soon as the rotationcommences, the

circuit is closed as described and the rotation continues under controlof the commutator until, after a quarter turn, the brushes arrive at thesucceeding space between two strips. The friction and drag of the partsmay be sufficient to bring themto rest upon the release of the magneticclutch 145, but if desired an additional friction or brake could beemployed, thrown into action when the clutch is released; and thisobservation applies to the driving and stopping of the spider 100 at theinfeed end of the machine.

Each of the strip pairs 162 extends preferably for nearly a half turn ofthe commutator, as indicated in Fig. 14, and each pair is connected by apair of wires 16'? with the magnet 'coils 147 of one of the spiderreceptacl es 146, so that when a pair of brushes 168 brings current tothe strips this energizes the corresponding magnetic receptacle. Thetiming is such that the foremost mandrel 41, which in Fig. 14 has beenreceived in the topmost receptacle and which has started actions bycontacting the bumper 149, is magnetically leased and'dropped upon thereturn conveyor 92. A pair of wires 169 is shown leading from. each pairof brushes 168 to a pair'of common conductors 170 leading to the tw endsof the battery 154.

By the described mechanisms the successive mandrels are driven throughthe wrap ping and cutting point, discharged, outfed laterally anddeposited on the return conveyor, conveyed back, picked up, lifted intoalinement with the wrapping and cutting axis, and forced into engagementwith the operating or driving mechanism, so preservinga continuousmandrel surface for the wrapping and cutting, which surface advances androtates with the rubberized stock.

It remains only to describe the web splicing and the strip cuttingmechanisms, and the take-up means for the cut strips of bias ply.

' Between the first and second arched housings 54, 54which contain themandrel actuating mechanisms is shown a circular fixed housing 173 whichcontains the cutting mechanism and supports the splicing means, and haslegs 174 with feet 17 5 secured to the base 55. Above the frame 173 isshown an arched bracket 176 which extends downwardly to where it carriesthe splicing roller or caster 48 which is shown bearing upon thecontiguous edges of the convolutions of the rubberizeu fabric Fbeingformed into a tube T. The compressing and uniting action is indicated in8. See also Figs. 15 and 16. he lower part of the bracket is formed witha pair of fixed flanges or bearings 177. The roller is mounted in afork'178 having a shank 1Y9 sliding in bearings 177. A. spring 180 isconfined between the upper bearing 1?? and a flange 181 on the support178 so as constantly to press downwardly. It is desirable to hold thesplicing roll firmly in the proper direction, in relation to the helicalsplice to be produced, and for this purpose a splined upper extension182 of the shank slides in a threaded sleeve 183 turning in a recessedboss 184 and there locked by a lock nut 185 in its set position.

The mechanism for cutting the rubberized fabric helix or tube into biasplies is best shown in Figs. 15 and 17 in connection with the generalviews Figs. 4 and 7 As stated, preferably two cutters in the form ofrotary blades or cutting disks 50 are employed so that two bias stripsare simultaneously cut from the fabric tube, and preferably the cuttingmechanism is bodily rotated in a plane at right angles to the axis ofthe fabric tube and mandrel; the operation being such as to produce aresultant helical cut in the fabric tube which will be opposite to ordifferent from the helix in which the fabric is wound, and at such anangle thereto that the product will contain longitudinal fabric elementsor cords at substantially 45 or between 35 and to the length of thestrip. The advancing speed of the fabric tube and its rate of rotationbeing known, the desired helix angle of the cut is obtained by settingthe rotary speed of the cutter in relation to the movements of thefabric. For example with the proportions herein illustrated the cuttingmechanism may be and is shown bodily r0- tated in the same direction asthe rotation of the fabric tube, but at a considerably higher speed forexample approximately three times the rotary speed thereof. In this waywith @156 inch width of rubberized fabric fed helically upon a mandrelabout 112 inches in circumference the fabric tube can be cut into twobias plies each of about 14 inch width by means of a pair of oppositecutter disks bodily revolved at approximately three times the speed ofrotation of the fabric tube. The cutting on the other hand may be at theopposite diagonal to that shown, making a helix trending in the samedirection but at a different slant to that of the fabric web, in whichcase .six or more cutters would have to be employed to give strips ofthe widthmentioned,

and the bodily revolution of the cutters would be at a'speed more nearlythat of, or slightly less than, the fabric tube and mandrel. However, asstated, the two cutter arrangement is shown.

For obtaining the cutting action the two opposite cutter units are shownas rotatably mounted within a revolving circular carriage 200 which islocated within the circular fixed standard 173, the carriage havingoutwardly extending ribs or tracks 201 running upon a system of fourpairs of flanged guide rollers 202 mounted on the frame 173. The bodilyrevolution of the cutter carriage 200 may be effected by means of alarge bevel gear 204 formed or mounted at the right side of the carriageand having its teeth engaging with a bevel pinion 205 arranged on ashort shaft which carries also a bevel pinion 206 engaging a bevelpinion 207 loose on a short shaft 208 journalled in the frame leg 174 atright .angles to the axis of the machine.

The bevel gear 207 carries a spur gear 209 engaging a larger gear 210,the shaft of which carries a smaller gear 211, engaging a larger gear212 fast on the shaft 208. The described gear- .ing209-212 constitutes amultiplying gear to give faster speed to the cutter carriage, and'thespeed may be set as desired, by interchange of gears. The inner end ofthe shaft 208 carries a bevel pinion 213 engaging a bevel pinion 214 onthe constantly rotating shaft 76. The proportions of the gearing -fromthe shaft 76 to the pinch roll carriages 56 and to the cutter carriage200, respectively, should be such as to give the desired speed relation,for example the latter to travel three rotations to one of the pinchroll carriage,

so that the cutting will progress at three times the rotary speed of thewinding and produce the desired helical cut.

Figs. 15 and 17 show two cutting units mounted in the carriage 200 andas these are alike it will suffice to describe one of them..

its outer side carries an electric motor 220,

the shaft of which is connected by a belt 221 with the pulley 217 on thecutter shaft. The motor ismerely representative of any meansofcommunicating rotation to the cutter disk in case it is desired torotate it during opera tion, although if desired the cutter disk mightoperate simply by rolling contact against the fabric and mandrel, or forthat matter might consist of a non-rotating blade or knife drawn alongthe fabric under pressure. When a motor is used there will be suitablebrushes and rings to conduct the current thereto.

Each cutting unit may consist of the cutter disk 50 and connecteddevices, which may be so mounted on the rotary cutter carriage 200 thatthe cutter will bear-upon the fabric tube and progressively sever a biascut ply during the advance of the fabric tube. For illustration thebracket 219 carrying the cutter disk and motor is preferably mounted forinward or radial movement to permit resilient pressure to be applied toforce the cutter through the "fabric. These elements are shown supportedat the inner end of a rigid L-shapebar 222. The bar 222 is connected attwo points to a radially movable block 223. See Fig. 18. Thus an arm 224extends rigidly from block 223 to the outer end of the bar, while itsinner end has a hinge connection 225 to the block. A slot 226 in the arm224 and nuts 227 on the bar give a tilting adjustfment of the bar to setthe knife to the mandrel. The block 223 is shown movable radiallybetween dovetail guides 228 mounted on the rotary cutter carriage. Allof these described parts are thus movable radially toward the fabrictube and mandrel and a strong spring 229 is shown pressing radiallyinward upon the block 223 so as to maintain the required cuttingpressure. As indicated in Fig. 15 the cutter shaft and disk are set atan angle to the longitudinal axis, so that the cutter will turn in aplane which coincides at the cutting point with the direction of thedesired helical cut. The cutter and motor may be swivelled on the bar222 for this purpose, but it is preferred to swivel the entire system,and the dovetail guide block 228 is shown in Fig. 15 as swivelled aboveand below, at 230, to the wall of the rotor or carriage 200.

In Fig. l the cut plies P are shown extending loosely outward from thecutting point but in practice it is preferable to receive or wind eachsevered strip upon a take-up means. The following is shown asillustrative. A block 231 is arranged to slide radiallyin a guide orslot formed in the block 223 which in turn slides radially in thedovetail guides 228. The block 231 gives support to a rotary idler roll232. Between the roll 232 and the mandrel is shown a reversing roll 233mounted on an extension of the block 223. At the start the fabric stripis threaded around the roll 233 and thence around the idler roll 232 asindicated in Figs, 15 and 17. The rolling action of the reversing rolloperates frictionally to drive the idler roll. The idler roll isconstantly pressed radially inward through a lever 234 connected at onepoint to the slide block 231 and at its outer fabric tube, withitshelical cords or threads,

end pulled inward by a spring 235.

In case it is desired to apply a strip of sateen or other liningmaterial between the convolutions of the rubberizedstrip there is showna second slide block 237 supporting a liner spool 238 which supplies theliner progressively to the fabric strip, a lever 239, pulled upon by aspring 240, serving to effect radial inward pressure upon the linerspool.

The take-up roll or spool 242 may be spaced away from the describedrolls to give room for expansion, and its axle is shown mounted on ablock 243 movable radially in a guide 244 on the carriage 200, with aspring 245 pressing inwardly on block 243 to hold the expanding surfaceof the wound bias strip in contact against a pair of bearing rollers246. The coiled strip maybe surface driven by a roll 247 mounted on aspring pressed lever 248 to give driving friction, and the drive roll247 mounted in turn may be rotated frictiona'lly by a roll 249 whichreceives its rotation by rolling around the surface of the fabric tube Ton the mandrel. In starting, the fabric strip may be threaded throughand started upon the take-up spool 242 in a manner to leave some slackbetween the idle roll and the take-up to allow for differences in angle,with guide means to keep the strip to its path. 1

As the bias out strip is formed it builds up upon the take-up spool, andwhen a considerable quantity of strip has been produced,

. the product may be removed from the machine by severing the stripadjacent to the take-up position, and removing thetake-up spool andcoiled strip, and again starting the strip for continued operations; andthe general rotation may be briefly slowed downorsuspended for theseoperations. The capacity of the take-up means may be increased byenlarging the dimensions, or otherwise, the illustrated meanssufficiently illustrating the principles. 1 v

Many variations of all branches of the process and machine areadmissible, in addition to those already suggested. F or example, fewercirculating mandrels could be used, as few as two; and the terms seriesor succession include a system of two mandrels, which will serve byrelatively elongating them to prolong the engagement of each with theactuators and so give the other time to be circulated, or by giving'tothe first pinch roll set a faster drive than the second, with slippage.The 'rubberizing or calender apparatus may be synchronized with thewrapping mechanism otherwise than by direct gear connection as shown,and its speed might be slightly varied, under control'of an idler ortension pulley between the two units, so

as to maintain a traveling supply of fabric under a uniform tension tothe mandrel, arl correcting anyloss of coordination. The

may be formed in different ways before the cutting; and the cutting maybe in different paths so long as it is on a bias or slant to the cordsor threads; for example the cutting may be circular, to produce bias cutrings of proper size to apply in the building of a tire. These and othermodifications are intended to be included in the present invention.

It will thus be seen that there has been illustratively described anovel method and machine for producing bias strips or plies which embodythe principles and attain the objects of the present invention; but asvarious matters of operation, construction, arrangement, combination anddetail may be largely modified without departing from the principles itis not intended to limit the invention to such matters except so far asspecified in the appended claims.

, What is claimed is:

1. Apparatusfor the continuous productionof bias strips of indefinitelength comprising means for supplying apreformed web of fabric from alateral and relatively stationary supply position and advancing itinclinedly to the wrapping point, means for progressively wrapping suchfabric web helically into tube form and advancing such tubelongitudinally while rotating it,and means for progressively causing thecontiguous edges-of the fabric web to unite.

2. Apparatus for the continuous'production of bias cut strips ofindefinite length comprising means for supplying a web of preformedfabric from a lateral supply position and advancing it to the wrappingpoint, means for progressively wrapping such fabric web helically intotube form means for progressively wrapping such fabv taking up theresulting strip or strips.

3. Apparatus for the continuous production of bias cut strips ofindefinite length comprising means for supplying a web of preformedfabric from a lateral supply position and advancing it to the wrappingpoint,

ric Web helically into tube form, and means for progressively cuttingsuch advancing fabric tube into a bias strip or strips along a path orpaths extending helically about the tube and intersecting the helicalpath of wrapping, I

. 4, A machine for producing bias strips of indefinite length comprisingsupply means for supplying a web of fabric from a stationary supplyposition and delivering it to the wrapping point, and means forprogressively helically wrapping the fabric web continuously into a tubeand advancing such tube helically to an indefinite extent.

5. A machine for producing bias strips of indefinite length comprisingsupply means for supplying a web of fabric from a stationary lateralsupply position and delivering it to the wrapping point, means forprogressively wrapping the fabric web helically into tube form andadvancing such tube helically, comprising ,amandrel system movableforwardly only, means for progressively cutting the advancing tube intoa strip or strips diagonally to the length of the fabric, and means fortaking up the same.

6. A machine for producing bias strips of indefinite length, comprisingmeans for supplying a web of fabric from a lateral supply :means forprogressively slitting the advancing fabric tube into a bias strip orstrips, such cutting means having means for bodily revolving it aboutthe tube whereby it may operate along a path or paths extendinghelically about the tube in a direction substantially different from thelength of the web.

'7. A machine for producing bias strips of indefinite length comprisingmeans for supplying a web of fabric from a lateral supply position anddelivering it to the wrapping point, and means for progressivelyreceiving and wrapping the fabric helically into a tube of indefiniteextent and advancing such tube helically comprising a mandrel systemmovable only forwardly androtatingly."

8. A machine for producing'bias strips of indefinite length comprisingmeans for supplying a webof fabric from a stationary la't -eral supplyposition and delivering it to the wrapping point, means forprogressively receiving and wrapping the fabric helically into' tubeform and advancing such tube helically, and means for progressivelyunitlng the contiguous edges of the fabric, comprislng a splicing devicemaintained in fixed location so as to follow the helical path of thefabric seam as the tube progresses helically.

9. A machine for continuously producing bias strips of indefinite lengthcomprising a mandrel having means for helically advancing its receivingsurface, and means for supplying and guiding a preformed fabric web tobe wrapped upon the mandrel.

10. A machine as in claim 9 and wherein are means for bias cutting thefabric upon the mandrel, the same located beyond the Wrapping point andcomprising a cutter bearing directly against the mandrel, and revolvedabout it to produce a diagonal cut.

11. A machine for continuously producing bias strips of indefinitelength comprising a cylindrical mandrel system having means forindefinitely advancing it helically and means 13. A machine as in claim11 and wherein I the mandrel advancing means comprises a revolvingcarriage, pinch rolls on the carriage engaging the mandrel, planet gearsdriving the rolls, and a fixed gear on which said planet gears run torotate the rolls in time with the carriage to deliver a helical advanceto the mandrel.

14. A machine for continuously producing bias strips of indefinitelength comprising a fabric web receiving mandrel having means adaptedfor endlessly helically advancing its receiving surface, and means forsupplying fabric web to be wrapped as a tube upon the mandrel, and meansfor detaching the tube in the form of a bias strip or strips.

. 15. A machine for producing bias strips of indefinite lengthcomprising a series of suc-' cessive mandrels having means operatingsuccessively thereon to rotate and advance each mandrel through thewrapping position, and

means receiving the outgoing mandrels and returning each of them andfeeding it to the mandrel operating means.

16. A machine for producing bias strips comprising a series of separatemandrels, means operatmg successively thereon to advancethe mandrelsthrough the wrapping.

